Time spent arguing with the faithful is, oddly enough, almost never wasted.
Interpretation
Engaging in discussions with strong believers can be valuable, even if the debate seems unproductive.
Christopher Hitchens suggests that while debates with those who have unwavering beliefs may seem fruitless, they often lead to enlightening exchanges. These discussions not only challenge our own perspectives but can also prompt deeper understanding and reflection on fundamental ideas, thereby enriching the discourse on faith and belief systems.
In practice
During a lecture on the importance of dialogue, one could use this quote to emphasize the value of discussing beliefs.
In a public dialogue with Salman in London he [Edward Said] had once described the Palestinian plight as one where his people, expelled and dispossessed by Jewish victors, were in the unique historical position of being 'the victims of the victims': there was something quasi-Christian, I thought, in the apparent humility of that statement.
What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.
Never ask while you are doing it if what you are doing is fun. Don't introduce even your most reliably witty acquaintance as someone who will set the table on a roar.
[E]xceptional claims demand exceptional evidence.
The worst days are when you feel foggy in the head - chemo-brain they call it. It's awful because you feel boring. As well as bored. And stupid. And resigned.
Let me tell you something: for hundreds of thousands of years, this kind of discussion would have been impossible to have, or those like us would have been having it at the risk of our lives. Religion now comes to us in this smiley-face, ingratiating way β because itβs had to give so much more ground and because we know so much more. But youβve got no right to forget the way it behaved when it was strong, and when it really did believe that it had God on its side.
Ambition and hatred are enough to bring Iraq and al Qaeda together.
The chief danger about Paris is that it is such a strong stimulant.
The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists, who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood. The trailblazers in human, academic, scientific and religious freedom have always been nonconformists. In any cause that concerns the progress of mankind, put your faith in the nonconformist!
fanaticism is the only way to put an end to the doubts that constantly trouble the human soul.
It goes without saying that the Jewish people can have no other goal than Palestine and that, whatever the fate of the proposition may be, our attitude toward the land of our fathers is and shall remain unchangeable
The welfare of the people in particular has always been the alibi of tyrants.
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